It’s midsummer, or mid-heaven in my book. Bring on more sunny, warm days, Jazz Festivals, Comedy Festivals and all the trimmings that make the splendid months so irresistible. Char-Broil Great Book of Grilling has been at the top of my to-do list for way too long. I finally read it cover to cover and filled it…

So, you’re planning a wedding? Naturally you want everything to go smoothly. Your checklists have checklists and you’re getting stuff done, ticking away like mad. But sometimes, it’s what you don’t plan for that makes for an extra special event. Two years ago I was wedding planning for one of my kids. OK, not really…

What do you get when you mix honey, spice, garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil with healthy Brussels sprouts? Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts — a treat you won’t soon forget. Kudos to Apron’s Publix Cooking School for introducing us to Roasted Garlic Olive Oil, tangy Creole spicy mustard and these irresistible Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, as a side…

Is it possible to fall in love with a country you’ve never visited? The New Irish Table, Recipes from Ireland’s Top Chefs fans the flames for love of everything Irish. Ireland today is said to be a “paradise for epicures.” and this coffee table delight, edited by Leslie Conron Carola, illuminates the country’s culinary renaissance. Ten award-winning chefs contribute…

After 426 JC posts and all the blah blah blah, you probably think you know all my secrets. But what you don’t know yet, is that I have smoothie bowl envy. For several years now I’ve gazed upon photos of smoothie bowls so lovely they’d make Martha Stewart blush, but until I read Robin Asbell‘s…

Forget about a regular night out at a good restaurant. It isn’t every day that you get the chance to sample a creative, delicious meal, prepared by experienced chefs, as you watch, ask questions, learn techniques and laugh along. Yes, laugh along, because a well-honed comedy routine keeps the night rolling along. And, the icing…